About Us
Our Mission
We're a group of over 45 volunteers who have come together because of our shared love and passion for the beautiful St Mary in the Castle building on the Hastings seafront. Our group is always growing, strengthened by the variety of skills and experiences that each Driver contributes to the project.
Together we're working to get the building reopened: applying for funding, pressuring local authorities, and coming up with an alternative to the derelict state St Mary is currently in.
Our mission is to drive awareness and action towards reviving this key landmark of the Hastings shorefront.
We aim to facilitate the re-imagining of a viable, sustainable, community-led future for the building and its surrounds for local residents and visitors to be proud of and benefit from.
Set up July 2024
The direct result of an open community forum, collecting local opinion on what the future of St Mary should be. Now with over 45 Drivers attending regular meetings, and more than 75 Enthusiasts receiving email updates.
Supported by Hastings Commons
Hastings Commons has provided the framework, space and experience that has allowed us to organise as a group and apply for grants. They have acted as project facilitator and host, bringing their own strong track record from work in restoring historic buildings (including the Observer Building, 12 Claremont and Eagle House).
Funded by the Architectural Heritage Fund
Awarded a Project Viability Grant ... which has provided £15K for project development, surveys and an Options Appraisal, to be undertaken by the Architectural practice OMMX
